ROBYN ASQUINI | 3RD PLACE, 2024 STILL LIFE COMPETITION
3rd Place Winning Entry, 2024 Still Life Competition
Robyn Asquini, Apothecary, oil
Robyn Asquini
After working in the commercial art field, Toronto-based artist Robyn Asquini studied at the Academy of Realistic Art in Toronto where she learned the traditional techniques of realism and gained an understanding of the subtleties of light, shadow, and form. "This training, in addition to what I learned from my previous career — including the importance of composition, color harmony, and thematic consistency — helps me create pieces that are not only visually compelling, but also rich in narrative," she says. Recently, we talked to Asquini and asked her about her art.
Robyn Asquini, Canyon, oil.
What drew you to realism and what led to the abstract elements you include in your art today?
I've always been captivated by the challenge and emotional pull of creating realistic artwork and crafting a narrative through the illusion of three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.
While my work today is still deeply rooted in realism, I've started to incorporate more abstract brush strokes and approaches. This blend allows me to create pieces that are not only grounded in traditional techniques but also gives me a broader visual language to express myself.
Robyn Asquini, Left: Portrait of Nikole, oil. Right: Portrait of Ruko, oil
What appeals to you about creating still life pieces?
Still lifes allow me to tell a visual story through a carefully curated collection of objects. There's an interplay between the items and the meanings we project onto them, allowing viewers to bring their interpretations to the work.
In your painting, Apothecary, what meaning do you hope the objects convey to the viewer?
In Apothecary, I selected objects that would evoke a sense of mystery and timelessness, reminiscent of classical Dutch still lifes. The composition layers textures and items that hint at the mystique of a traditional apothecary and creates a narrative that feels both historical and slightly magical, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scene.
The objects I chose, such as aged metal and worn wood, add a tactile quality to the piece. The warm hues of fruits, flowers, and fungi contrast with the vivid green potion at the center, which serves as a focal point. The interplay of light across these surfaces enhances the atmosphere, suggesting both life and decay, beauty and danger. Through these elements, I aim to convey a sense of curiosity and wonder, encouraging viewers to consider the possible stories and meanings behind the objects.
